James E. Strates Shows has been providing entertainment at the Carolina Classic Fair since 1964. | Photo by Carolina Classic Fair
From Halloween haunts to homecoming weekend, October is going to be a frighteningly busy month in the Twin City. Mark your calendar for these can’t-miss events... if you dare.
Festivals
Carolina Classic Fair 2025 | Saturday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 12 | Times vary | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds | $5+ | It’s that time of the year again, with carnival rides, concert performances, out-of-the-box food combos, and livestock shows.
Fall Festival | Saturday, Oct. 18 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Koren Farms, Mocksville | Free | Fall in love with pumpkins, Alpacas, hayrides, food trucks, and crafts by local vendors.
Ardmore Run Against Hunger | Saturday, Oct. 18 |8 a.m. | Redeemer Presbyterian Church | $22+ | Run for a cause and support families experiencing food insecurity.
Körner’s Folly Oktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 04 | 1:30 p.m. | Körner’s Folly, Kernersville | $10+ | Celebrate the German heritage with tasting classes, local cuisine, and show off your strength in stein-holding challenges.
Ben Folds in Concert | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 7:30-10 p.m. | R.J. Reynolds Auditorium | $70+ | The iconic, all-around musician comes home to perform with the Symphony at his high school alma mater, Reynolds Auditorium, for one night only.*
Today is the day. Whataburger‘s first Winston-Salem location opens today at 291 Harvey St. by South Stratford Road. The Texas-based fast food chain plans to run 24/7.
Announced
Wake Forest University President Dr. Susan R. Wente announced she will step down from her role at the end of her fifth year, on June 30, 2026. The university board of trustees will start the search for its next leader. Read up about Dr. Wente’s accomplishments at the institution.
Biz
Applications are open for one of the biggest winter markets in downtown Winston-Salem. Whether you’re selling art, clothes, crafts, or something unique, Sayso is accepting vendor applications through Saturday, Oct. 18. The winter market will take place Saturday, Dec. 6.
Tech
This Winstonian is doing big things. Taylor Davis launched a restaurant discovery app in Charlotte, NC. Troodie aims to serve as a hub for travelers to create a personalized list of dining spots to visit + recommendations from friends and content creators. (CLTtoday)
Finance
Owe $10,000 in debt? Freedom Debt Relief could help by offering a personalized debt settlement plan and negotiating with creditors to reduce the amount owed. Start tackling your debt. See disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Your must-have Halloween decor to celebrate the season, ranging from how cute to oh my:
👻 These three ceramic ghost lights are almost too cute to stand (and come with batteries).
🕯️ A No. 1 best-seller, this floating candle set will add flickering, cozy warmth to any Halloween display.
🧹 Floating witch hats show your Halloween spirit and are perfect for a party.
🕸️ The Addams family would approve of this black lace spiderweb cover decking out your mantle.
☠️ Make the neighbors do a double-take with a best-selling hands and skull set popping out of your yard.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Lots of events this month, Winstonians. If you’d like to see your event added to our newsletter, go to our Events page, click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner. Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
Click “Submit” when you’re done, and you might just be featured in an upcoming newsletter.